LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper has given state parliament a compelling account of the impact the April 20 storm had across the electorate and the extraordinary recovery and clean-up work that continues.
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"In terms of resources and requests for assistance, this was an unprecedented storm and flood event," Mr Piper said.
"It exceeded all other events on record, including the June 2007 Pasha Bulker storm and the 1999 Sydney hailstorm.
"The State Emergency Service [SES] received more than 8000 requests for assistance across the region, including 2947 in Lake Macquarie. In my electorate, the Cooranbong unit alone received 770 requests for help."
Lake Macquarie Rural Fire Service volunteers helped the SES with 1743 jobs, he said.
"Crews from Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Hunter Water, local councils and other government agencies also worked tirelessly.
"In some cases they are still on the job."
In paying tribute to volunteers and emergency services personnel, Mr Piper highlighted the work of Neville and Sandy Koch, of Mirrabooka.
"Many of the volunteers and workers left their families at home in the cold and dark while they tended to the problems of others," Mr Piper said.
"Neville and Sandy Koch from Mandalong Rural Fire Service, a couple I know well, were at the height of the storm out clearing the M1 [Pacific Motorway] of fallen trees and debris," he said.
"They spent the rest of the week helping others before finally pausing to assess the considerable damage to their own small acreage that was caused by flooding and the uprooting of 28 large trees," the MP told parliament.
How we rallied amid food shortages
EXTENDED blackouts during the April 20 storm meant that many locals began to run low on food, MP Greg Piper said.
"Some local community groups really stepped up to the plate in this regard. I make particular mention of the Southlake Neighbourhood Centre, at Morisset, which invited members of the community in for cups of tea, hot soup and sausage sizzles," he told state parliament.
"It also organised food parcel distributions, offered its single shower to anyone in need of a hot soak and allowed people to charge their mobile devices and use its computer facilities."
Local gyms and clubs opened their facilities to people without power.
Bonnells Bay Salvos, led by Captain Tim Gittins, held a "pot luck" dinner with donated dishes.
OzHarvest and Lifeboat Community Services distributed food parcels, he said.